Chinese loader clocks up 5,000 trouble-free hours on Meath dairy farm

Chinese-built wheel loaders account for a growing proportion of new wheel loader registrations in Ireland, attracting the attention of many customers for two reasons: mainly, simplicity and price. With many questions surrounding the reliability, performance and longevity regarding machines of such origin, we caught up with father and son team, Peter and Thomas Burke, who milking 250 cows in Allenstown, near Kells, Co Meath.

In 2020, the duo took delivery of a new Everun ER2500 telescopic wheel loader to replace a tired Matbro TR250 that was bought second hand in 2015.

More focused on livestock and running a profitable business, neither Peter or his father is overly interested in machinery, once it gets the job done. With 500 cattle to be fed each winter, it’s no small task either. On average, this tends to comprise 300-400 acres of grass silage, 250 silage bales and up to 250 round bales of straw.

Loader background

A loader has always played a pivotal role on the farm, especially during the winter months when feeding takes place. Prior to the Matbro TR250, the Burkes had run a Massey Ferguson 50HX since 2003, before which a back-end shear grab and tractor fed all the silage.

In 2019, the lads had considered changing the Matbro which had been showing signs of age-related wear and tear.

“Buying a new machine north of €90,000 wasn’t justifiable. We weren’t sold on the idea of paying €30-€40,000 for a worn-out, high-hour, second-hand machine either.”

“After seeing Chinese loaders on Done Deal, I looked into them more. Everun seemed among the most popular at the time. A dealer in Balbriggan had one in stock and with lowish expectations, we went for a look. After a look around an ER2500 model and a quick drive, we left impressed. Value for money, it felt like a no-brainer. It suited our needs; its simplicity and minimal electronics were a bonus,” Peter added.

The Burkes decided to take the chance and buy the Everun ER2500.

Engine and transmission

Peter’s ER2500 is powered by a 78hp XiChai four-cylinder engine. However, new models are now supplied with a Yunnei or Yanmar Stage V engine. With nearly 5,000 hours clocked, Peter is more than happy with the performance of the Xinchai engine, noting that it hasn’t burnt a single drop of oil. Peter services the engine himself, a task he describes as simple and inexpensive. The service kit direct from Everun Ireland costs €60 plus VAT.

The ER2500 features a 30km/h four-speed torque convertor transmission which is outsourced by Everun.

Hydraulics

The ER2500 loader is fitted with a hydraulic pump which delivers 95l/min. Hydraulic performance is described as plentiful for all tasks, including a 5ft Prodig shear grab and VDMJ straw blower.

The telescopic boom offers a maximum lift height of 4.5m and a maximum lift capacity of 2,500kg. Peter noted that unloading 2t pallets of fertiliser is among the heaviest loads handled.

Everun use two lift cylinders in all its wheel loader models for load distribution and stability purposes. Pins and bushes are easily greased via outward facing grease nipples. Although not fitted on Peter’s machine, an optional auto-greaser is available.

To minimise hydraulic hose replacement costs, Everun split hoses into sections, keeping them as short as possible. Having burst a few hoses over the years, Peter has seen the benefit of this.

Cab

The cab layout is simple and functional, offering good visibility in all directions, Peter feels. The joystick is responsible for all boom functions as well as the forward and reverse shuttle and gear changes. The levers to the right of the joystick are responsible for the telescoping in and out of the boom and third service.

Before operating implements such as the shear grab or straw blower, Peter pulls a lever down at the headstock to divert oil from the locking pins to the third service instead. As standard, the loader comes fitted with a rear-view camera, a sprung seat, an adjustable steering wheel, a radio and a heater.

Switchgear is minimal too, controlling functions such as the cab heater, lights and the windscreen wipers. Although the loader came fitted with halogen lights, Peter fitted his machine with LEDs.

Verdict

With almost 5,000 hours clocked since March 2020, Peter is glad he took the chance on the loader.

“It was either, buy a new Chinese machine for €30,000 plus VAT or pay the equivalent for a high hour second hand ‘premium’ brand. When it boiled down, we couldn’t look by Everun. We were sceptical given all the usual rumours about Chinese equipment. But, Everun had numerous machines working away trouble free. At the same time, we had already been down the high hour route, which too can be full of unknowns. If you happen to buy a troublesome machine, parts and repairs can quickly run into large sums of money.”

“Aside from regular engine services, running costs have been low. Parts have proved easily sourced via Everun Ireland. I’ve only had to replace the brake pads, a broken door glass and a wiper motor, so far.

“All in all, the simplicity of the machine is key. It’s a good size and does all we ask of it. Day one, it was priced right and has performed right since. We can’t ask for much more than that,” explained Peter.

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